Hold those Shears and Plan Before you Prune

Rob Shapiro • March 18, 2019

If you've ever grabbed a pair of scissors to lop off a wayward or scraggly piece of hair from your forehead, you probably are equally equipped to prune the trees and shrubs in your yard.

The motivation and technique are similar, but before you get started, hold those pruning shears. Just as Oriole Landscaping works with you to “plan before you plant,” we also advocate a “plan before you prune” approach.

If you move too fast and make a small mistake, your trees and shrubs should recover, just as your pride will recover from a botched haircut. But if you get carried away, you could weaken or damage your tree or shrub. So, make sure you have a plan before you start, especially with newly installed trees and shrubs, when they are acclimating to their new environment and working to establish hearty root systems.

Employ the Proper Pruning Tools

Pruning tools include:

  • Pruning shears, which provide cuts of up to ¾ inches in diameter
  • Lopping shears, which are similar to small pruning shears but with longer handles
  • Hedge shears, which, as their name suggests, are meant for pruning hedges
  • Hand saw, designed for cutting branches more than 1 inch in diameter
  • Pole saw, whose long handle offers an extended reach but must be wielded carefully to achieve a clean cut

Understand your reasons for pruning

Some of the more common reasons to prune include to:

  • Promote the growth and health of a tree or shrub
  • Encourage flower or fruit development
  • Improve the appearance of a tree or shrub
  • Protect people and property
  • Foster a robust structure, especially with new trees
It's not uncommon for people to begin a pruning project and then encounter an issue or question along the way. This would be a good time to call Oriole Landscaping, Richmond's premier landscaping design and installation company. We can help bring clarity and focus to any pruning project.

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